Hands and fingers can be seriously injured in car accidents due to crushing impacts, airbag deployment, or bracing against the steering wheel during a collision.
Hand injuries not only result in significant pain and discomfort but can also lead to permanent damage. Particularly in more severe cases, such as metacarpal fractures, ligament tears, or nerve damage, these injuries can also have life-altering consequences.
Aside from physical pain and restricted mobility, hand injuries can make even basic daily activities extremely difficult, such as standing up, eating, maintaining personal hygiene, dressing, and working.
Common Types of Serious Hand Injuries
Typically, hand injuries occur due to impact with the steering wheel or the sudden deployment of airbags. While some injuries, like minor bruises and scratches, can heal quickly, others, such as fractures, sprains, or soft-tissue damage, require more time for recovery and treatment. Some of the most common types of serious hand injuries due to vehicle accidents include:
- Metacarpal fractures: This happens when a crack occurs in one or more of the five long bones in the hand, called metacarpals. These bones connect the wrist to the finger bones.
- Ligament tear: Also known as a sprain, it happens when the ligament, which connects the bones at a joint, is stretched or torn.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the hand as a result of car accidents can manifest as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Victims of hand injuries from car accidents may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability through a personal injury claim.
How Hand Injuries Impact Daily Life and Legal Options
Hand injuries caused by car accidents can have far-reaching consequences. It can impact not only physical but also emotional well-being. Additionally, treating these injuries often entails additional expenses. When a victim suffers from metacarpal fractures, ligament tears, or nerve damage, they may find it difficult to accomplish daily tasks such as:
- Personal care: Bathing, dressing, brushing hair, and even eating
- Household chores: Cleaning, cooking, organizing, washing clothes and other household items, yard work
- Driving and errands: Driving, shopping, and running errands, including trips to the bank and government offices
Victims suffering from hand injuries also find themselves unable to return to work or even enjoy their hobbies. Furthermore, treatment and recovery would take time, which could have the following consequences:
- Reduced work capacity
- Lost wages
- Abandoning hobbies
Aside from physical challenges, hand injuries can also lead to adverse psychological effects such as interruptions in sleeping schedules and emotional damage.
Last but not least, these injuries can also require additional expenses as victims need to undergo medical intervention for their treatment. They need to shell out more money to:
- Cover medical bills for treatment and potential surgeries
- Rehabilitation costs, such as physical therapy
Victims of hand injuries caused by car accidents may have legal options to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Consult with our Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Sean M. Cleary
Hand injuries such as metacarpal fractures, ligament tears, and nerve damage are not only painful but can also significantly impact how you perform everyday tasks. If you suffer from a hand injury stemming from a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation, and our team from The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary can help you by evaluating your case and filing a cliam for you.
We understand the long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences of these injuries. That's why our experienced lawyer Sean M. Cleary havs dedicated his efforts to helping many victims of car accidents understand their legal options, protect their rights, and ensure they get the compensation they rightfully deserve.